HAMWORTHY UNITED 1 BEMERTON HEATH HARLEQUINS 3
Sydenhams Wessex Premier League (Saturday 05-12-09)
Lapses of concentration cost the Hammers dear against a team lying second in the League, and in a game that with a little bit of luck they could so easily have got at least a point. Hamworthy United conceded two goals in a minute shortly before half time. This was after getting back on equal terms following a second minute Bemerton penalty. United could not have got away to a worse start when the Referee quite rightly pointed to the spot with less than two minutes of the game gone. Hamworthy United players were still arguing over the decision when the corner was quickly taken, and Steve Llewelyn brought down his man in the confusion. The spot kick was duly converted giving Steve Shergold no chance. The Hammers gradually worked their way back into the game, and twice in a short space of time had Bemerton defending desperately in their six yard box. Joe Toghill, and then Jack Swann both tried to force the ball over the line, but both were denied. Play was now fairly even, but the Harlequins fast forwards always looking dangerous when they broke forward. It was United however who scored next with an excellent goal after thirty three minutes of play. Jamie Barron collected the ball deep in his own half, and ran through the middle before picking out Stuart Cannie out on the wide right wing. Cannie did well to beat his man, before sending a good cross to the far post where Richard Jackson lashed the ball past the Keeper. Just as it appeared that Hamworthy were looking comfortable, and in control, two mistakes in a minute shortly before half time cost them the match. United were caught by a quick break down the left with a Bemerton attacker goal side of his defender, and completely unmarked. He sent a dangerous curling centre to the far post where it was met, and despatched with a well taken diving header past Steve Shergold. The Quins doubled their lead almost immediately when this time the Hammers were caught out through the middle. A man was again picked out unmarked, and although it must be said looked suspiciously off side, he kept his cool to score with some ease.
HT 1-3
A lot of the second half was played in torrential rain, and both teams can take a lot of credit from the football played on a pitch that was no better than that of the week before that was abandoned. United were to have no such luck this week. Bemerton started the second half the better of the two teams, but Hamworthy came more, and more into it as the half progressed. They certainly created the more chances in the second period, and with a little bit of luck might easily got back on equal terms. Joe Toghill cut inside and released a low shot to the far post which beat the Keeper, but just brushed the outside of the post before going out. Simon Browne used all his Substitutes in an attempt to get something out of the game, and one of these Larbi Mekchiche went desperately close on two occasions. First a glancing header went inches past the post and then a thirty five yard effort flew just over the bar. The Harlequin defence stood firm until the end of play to make sure they returned to Salisbury with all three points and top of the league.
FT 1-3
Team: S. Shergold, K. Yelland, R. Jackson, G. Horlock, S. Llewelyn (Capt), C. Mutch, M. Crow (R. Rule), J. Barron, J. Swann (M. Dancer), J. Toghill, S. Cannie (L. Mekchiche
Unused Subs E. Roberts, S. Browne